Oil pulling is an
ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves
the use of pure oils as agents for pulling harmful bacteria, fungus,
and other organisms out of the mouth, teeth, gums and even throat.
How To Oil Pull
The most effective oil pulling is done by placing around a tablespoon of
cold pressed organic sesame oil into the mouth and swishing the oil
around the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes and then spitting it
out.
Other oils such as extra virgin cold pressed coconut, sunflower and
olive oil have been used, although sesame oil is considered one of the
best oils for this practice. It is recommended to alter oils every
couple of days to get the full benefit.
Putting high quality organic oils into the mouth has a multi-effect
outcome.
First, the oils mix with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white
liquid. Lipids in the oils begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As
the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil
continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and
viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, it is spit
out before the toxins are reabsorbed.
What Does Oil Pulling Do?
Multiple scientific studies show the efficacy of oil pulling therapy.
One study shows that oil pulling with sesame oil can boost overall oral
health. Specifically, using sesame oil as an oral health agent helps to
reduce the amount of S. mutans (germ) count in both teeth plaque and
mouth saliva. Scientists believe that the lipids in the oil both pull
out bacteria, as well as stop bacterial from sticking to the walls of
the oral cavity.
Oil pulling may also increase saponification in the mouth, creating a
soapy environment that cleanses the mouth as vegetable fat is an
emulsifier by nature. Most interesting is perhaps the ability of oil to
cleanse out harmful bacteria, as well as reduce fungal overgrowth. These
oils also possibly help in cellular restructuring, and are related to
the proper functioning of the lymph nodes and other internal organs.
Additional benefits of oil pulling for oral health:
Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and
gingivitis
Prevention for bad breath
Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw
area
Benefits Beyond the Mouth?
Ancient Ayurvedic health practitioners believed that oil pulling could
reduce more than just diseases of the mouth and throat. Today, many
holistic practitioners tout its use for a variety of health concerns.
It is believed that these oils help the lymphatic system of the body as
harmful bacteria are removed and beneficial microflora are given with a
healthy environment to flourish. Because of this holistic perspective,
oil pulling has been used as a preventative health measure for many
other conditions.
Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:
- Migraine headache relief
- Correcting hormone imbalances
- Reducing inflammation of arthritis
- May help with gastro-enteritis Aids in the reduction of eczema
- May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
- Helps support normal kidney function
- May help reduce sinus congestion
- Some people report improved vision
- Helps reduce insomnia
- Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
- Aids in reducing pain
- Reduces the symptoms of allergies
- Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms
Scientific Studies on Sesame Oil & Oil Pulling
Sesame oil is particularly high in the antioxidantssesamol, sesamin, and
sesamolin. It also holds a high concentration of Vitamin E and
polyunsaturated fatty acids. These antioxidants have been found to stop
the absorption of negative forms of cholesterol in the liver. Multiple
studies have shown the antibacterial capacities of sesame oil. These
studies support the use of oil pulling in the prevention of dental
cavities and gingivitis.
A 2007 study looking into the effect of oil pulling (with sunflower oil)
on plaque and gingivitis on oral soft and hard tissues. Results found
that after 45 days of oil pulling, subjects showed a statistically
significant reduction in gingivitis.
Another study, conducted in 2008 found a “remarkable reduction in the
total count of bacteria” in the mouth, and an overall marked reduction
in susceptibility dental cavities. The antibacterial activity of sesame
oil was also studied and found to have an effect on the Streptococcus
mutans in the mouth.
In fact, these studies showed an overall reduction of bacteria from 10
to 33.4% in participants, and after 40 days of oil-pulling, participants
were found to show 20% in average reduction in oral bacteria. Moreover,
half of all participants in this case study showed a drastic reduction
in susceptibility to dental caries.
Easiest Way to Whiten your Teeth
Here is one more fantastic tip. Peel off to get whiter teeth with the
banana peel. Minerals found on the banana's inside show an incredible
effect on teeth. The magnesium, potassium and manganese soak up into
teeth and then whiten them. This methodology is extremely simple to be
followed. Simply rub the banana's inside, gently for two minutes, around
your teeth. Soon, you will be able to find that the bananas would
become yellow and your teeth white.
